Expert insights: Ranking essential entrepreneurial skills for emerging Free State commercial farmers

Abstract

Background: This study examines the entrepreneurial skills needed to enhance the economic sustainability of upcoming commercial farmers in the Free State, South Africa.
Aim: The study aimed to identify and prioritise essential entrepreneurial skills for new and upcoming commercial farmers.
Setting: The research focuses on the regional and socio-economic realities of commercial farming in the Free State.
Method: A two-round Delphi study collected data from 30 academics, commercial farmers and upcoming commercial farmers. Qualitative responses were thematically analysed, while quantitative ratings were analysed using descriptive and consensus statistics.
Results: Financial management was ranked as the most important skill, followed by critical thinking, personal skills, risk management, management skills and knowledge or experience. Budgeting, cash flow management, strategic planning, and risk management were central to sustaining farming enterprises in a market-driven agricultural environment.
Conclusion: Farming expertise alone is insufficient for long-term commercial sustainability. Integrated entrepreneurial and managerial capabilities are required to respond to changing markets, resource constraints and risk.
Contribution: The findings of this study provide a context-specific basis for integrating entrepreneurial skills into agricultural training, extension services, mentorship programmes and land-reform support initiatives.